About Bipolar Stress
- Studies have proved that when we encounter stress, our brains process events to determine if they are threatening. This can be good, like when it provides us the survival instinct and extra Adrenalin to remove ourselves from dangerous situations. However, some chemical levels that are heightened in response to stressors (especially when we believe we cannot appropriately adapt to the stressor) can invoke depression and remodeling of the brain`s structure. Even everyday stress can worsen the cognitive performance of an individual suffering from BD, who may not be able to identify stressors or predict what he can tolerate in response to the provocations.
- A study examining patients over a period of two years found the subjects who had bipolar episodes during interviews had encountered more severe stressors and more overall stress beforehand, compared to those without episodes. The more episodes experienced, the more likely it was the subjects would have episodes in response to stressors, and they showed more signs of relapse. Repeated exposure to stress has been known to halt the development of new neurons (brain cells) in some areas of the brain and can shrink neurons in others.
- A study on animals indicated the possibility that an enzyme in the brain's prefrontal cortex (which affects processing and retaining information and appropriate handling of behavior, emotions and thought) interferes with the cognitive process when undergoing stress. Another study found that increased activity of the protein kinase C (PKC) is linked to some symptoms found during the BD's manic cycle. Inhibiting PKC maintained more consistent processing of these functions, while applying mild stress activated PKC with negative results. This relationship is thought to be evident considering that examined blood pallets of BD patients were rife with PKC activity and that antipsychotics prescribed to BD patients block brain receptors that activate the protein.
- Repeated stress also enlarges the part of the brain where emotional memories are stored, which is key to the chemical disturbances caused by BD.
- Medications used to treat BD can either buffer stress or instigate a depressive episode. In addition to working with doctors to determine if you will be placed on medication, the BD-diagnosed person would be wise to take into account his automatic response to various stressors when determining medication and monitor stressor response after altering dosages.
- BD individuals should make an effort to identify the components of dealing with these stressors in a way that will help them appropriately process the events. Anxiety reducing activities, therapeutic and creative exercises, interaction with loved ones and prayer have been known to help various BD patients. Maintaining a consistent schedule when eating and sleeping always increases positive response.